A coordination meeting was held at the headquarters of the Abductees’ Mothers Association, bringing together members of the National Reconciliation Committee, the Director General of Al-Ma’afir District, Mr. Ahmad Haza’ Al-Senwi, and the district’s Services Official, Mr. Mohammed Ahmad Al-Baqari. The meeting was part of ongoing efforts to discuss transitional justice issues and promote community reconciliation in the district, within the framework of the #SPARK Project, funded by the DT Institute.
The meeting began with a speech by the head of the Abductees’ Mothers Association, Ms. Amat Al-Salam, who greeted the district director and attendees. She provided a comprehensive overview of the committee’s objectives and responsibilities, emphasizing that it aims to address numerous community issues and violations associated with the war period, as part of the broader process of transitional justice and reconciliation in Al-Ma’afir District.
Reconciliation Committee member Thiyazen Al-Sawa’i reviewed the key cases the committee has recently followed up on, including the assault on marginalized communities in the Upper Al-Mushawalah area, the conversion of the 22 May Health Center in Souq Al-Ahad into a military barracks by the 35th Armored Brigade, the conditions of displaced persons in the district, a grenade attack in the Al-Mashjab area, which resulted in the death of four civilians and injuries to around twelve others, as well as the ongoing conflict between displaced persons in the Souq Al-Ahad camp and the landowner.
In his remarks, Mr. Ahmad Haza’ Al-Senwi, Director General of the district, stated that Al-Ma’afir remains one of the most secure districts in the governorate despite the presence of some challenges. He noted that the local authority and security services are fully performing their duties.
Regarding the assault on marginalized groups in Upper Al-Mushawalah, Al-Senwi affirmed that the local authority played a prominent role in engaging with security agencies and expediting the case’s referral to the Public Prosecution.
As for the 22 May Health Center, he explained that the location holds significant security value, making evacuation difficult. However, he confirmed that the local authority is actively seeking a suitable alternative to ensure the continuity of health services.
Concerning the Al-Mashjab incident, the Director General noted that security forces had successfully apprehended the perpetrators. He also expressed his willingness to collaborate with the Reconciliation Committee to resolve the ongoing dispute between displaced persons and the landowner in the Souq Al-Ahad camp. At the conclusion of the meeting, Mr. Al-Senwi expressed his full support for the committee’s efforts and his readiness to work alongside it to resolve various issues, particularly those stemming from the war or related to political and social conflicts, contributing to greater stability and community cohesion in the district.
Added Value of the Reconciliation Committee:
- These cases highlight the vital role of the Reconciliation Committee in fostering reconciliation and advancing transitional justice within the community.
- They underscore the need to strengthen the relationship between local authorities and the public, and to bridge the existing gap.
- The committee helps build bridges with local authorities and coordinates initiatives that strengthen the social fabric and serve the community’s collective identity.
